Volunteering with the LES Ecology Center at Tompkins Square Park

A group from CTA recently spent a morning in the gardens of Tompkins Square Park volunteering with the LES Ecology Center. The LES Ecology center is a non-profit organization that promotes urban sustainability through community-based programs, focusing on e-waste recycling, composting, environmental education, and stewardship of public open spaces. During one hot morning in June, the group of volunteers from CTA started with an introduction and lesson from the LES Ecology Center team about both the invasive and native species that can be found around the city. We then walked over to the park with wheelbarrows, shovels, and garden tools in hand to weed out various types of invasive plant species and removed litter from the landscaping throughout the park. Both the LES Ecology Center and NYC Parks Department work to keep the park clean and healthy. 

CTA was proud to get our hands dirty and learn more about NYC’s parks while having the chance to connect with nature and also have some fun collaborating outside of the office. Tompkins Square Park and other city green spaces are critical to the wellbeing of the NYC community and local ecosystems, and wouldn't be thriving without the continuous effort of the LES Ecology Center and similar organizations, as well as support from the community and volunteers.